Licence applications experience requirements

When you apply for an individual licence you need to prove you have at least 12 months experience in the last 5 years in the classes for which you are applying for a licence.  For a company licence at least one of the company officers needs to have 12 months experience in the last 5 years.

Experience guidelines for licences

If you are applying for a new individual licence in addition to providing evidence of training you must provide evidence that you have had at least 12 months experience in the preceding 5 years in each of the classes of security work you want included in the licence.

For company licence applications at least one of the company officers must provide evidence of training and at least 12 months experience in the proceeding 5 years in each of the classes for which the company is applying for a licence.

An officer of a company includes the directors of the company and the chief executive or someone occupying an equivalent position in the company.  Any officer of the company who carries out private security work on behalf of the company must also hold a certificate of approval in the relevant classes.

Evidence to establish 12 months relevant experience

Examples of evidence to establish that an individual applicant, or an officer of a company, has had 12 months relevant experience in the preceding five years include:

  • A letter from a current or previous employer setting out relevant experience
  • Supporting letters from significant clients outlining relevant recent work
  • A supporting letter from a reputable licence holder or industry group outlining your relevant experience
  • Confirmation that you have held a certificate of approval in the same classes for at least 12 months supported by a letter from your current or previous employer confirming you have 12 months experience in each of the relevant classes of security work you want included in your licence.

If you are applying to renew a licence you will not need to provide further evidence of experience unless new classes are being added, or for a company licence, the company officers have changed.

Exemptions for established security companies

Larger established company applicants can apply for an exemption from the formal training requirements for one of its officers if:

  • its officers are qualified management professionals rather than trained security personnel, and
  • the company is a member of relevant professional organisation, and 
  • the company confirms that all its staff who carry out the work of private security personnel hold a current certificate of approval.
     

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